Show 'em your wallet - Alaska (AK) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

nwcountrygal · 09-11-2010, 05:04 PM

Last year on the way up the border agent in Sumas was an ass. My truck is an 06. Headed to Alaska. He questioned me for over 20 minutes about $$ and what proof I had that I wasn't coming to live off the Canadian system. Now I did cross at 2am because I hate Seattle I-5 traffic, which also I explained. He was a jack... didn't care to see dogs paperwork etc. Finally I told him I knew how much he made as my brother works for TSA and I had enough to cover his wage for the year in the bank account. Would he like to me to go inside and prove it. He finally let me go on my way.

I believe it was someone just having a bad day and wanting to vent on someone as I have never been asked again.

roadfamily6now · 09-12-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

I was asked if I had resources to make it all the way through. I was driving a beater and had a 2 year old, a 5 year old and the car was loaded to the gills. In December. I don't blame them for asking. I felt like I could make a movie called Beverly Hillbillies Move North.

Haha! Us too. Been asked the same questions and of course we always answer yes!
However, $500 is not enough money to get through Canada on. Especially if you get 2 flat tires in Waston Lake.

blueflames50 · 09-12-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Crunch

I've had them frequently ask if you're carrying more that $10,000 in US currency.

hummmm...either ya look like a drug runner or some fancy pants rich guy!

Trevor123 · 09-13-2010, 07:46 AM

So, bring cards and cash? How much cash would you be traveling with if it were you making the trip?

akck · 09-13-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor123

So, bring cards and cash? How much cash would you be traveling with if it were you making the trip?

About $100 US, but the first thing I'd do would be to use an ATM on the Canadian side and get just enough cash to pay for meals, gas, etc. What I've done in the past is to get about $200 CDN. Depending on how much was spent along the way, I'd also use cash for the motels. The idea was to use all of the Canadian $$ by the time you cross back into the US.

With the current exchange rates, this may not be the best way to go. It's likely that with the exchange fees, it will cost you more than a dollar US for a dollar CDN. Many places in Canada will accept US $ on a 1:1 basis, so you can save a little by paying with US $. The break even point seems to be around $1.04 CDN for $1 US, depending on your bank's fees.

stiffnecked · 09-13-2010, 03:07 PM

I got the best exchange rate by stopping at the first bank I see on the Canadian side.

warptman · 09-13-2010, 03:40 PM

Don't forget to spend all the Canadian $1-2 dollar coins at the last gas station before entering into the states. The US Banks don't accept coins in exchange for the US Dollar.

stiffnecked · 09-13-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warptman

Don't forget to spend all the Canadian $1-2 dollar coins at the last gas station before entering into the states. The US Banks don't accept coins in exchange for the US Dollar.

I use those as stocking stuffers at Christmas. Everyone always says "what is this?"

warptman · 09-13-2010, 04:13 PM

I still have Euros and Swiss coins that I can't use here from my trip two years ago.

tigerfan3 · 09-13-2010, 05:57 PM

I lived in a border town (Detroit) for about thirty years, and crossed the border hundreds of times. The only time they seemed concerned about my cash supply was when I crossed on foot with a backpack while on my way to Anchorage.